2026.2.1. REI run club - party pace

2/1, Sunday. Drizzle. I signed up REI's weekly >party pace run at 10am. The main reason is that this partical event promises a brunch and a documentary film The Life We Have after the run. Also, I could get out of bed at a reasonable hour and get some excercise, when the weather is lousy for a hike.

I arrived on time, a lot of people already. This series of event is capped at 99. But no one is checking registration. Need to sign a waiver (but no one is checking), and they want your birthday (no idea why, so I told them that I put down a fake birthday). A table from Brooks Running (see photo), we were encouraged to try their running shoes. So I put one pair on, and left mine on Brooks' shelf. There's another table recruting members. I forgot which organization it is. Julia told us the route, and we were supposed to turn around at Julie's Landing, and the screening will start at 11am. She and a few others in REI labeled running vests were employees who would herd us. We were not given any label. All kinds of people, including parents pushing strollers with baby onboard. It was in a party mood.

We started running. The Brooks shoes feel very good running (very cushy), but a bit strange standing and walking (the thick sole thins out towards the toes, so I feel that I'm wearing a wide platform heel). Once on WestLake ave, I was lagging behind. On streets with traffic lights, I could catch up with the front, where they waited for red light. Soon, I took off my shell. It was still drizzling, but I was generating more steam than the sky. Walking at times, running at times. I realized that I'm really out of shape. At some point, seeing runners running towards me (turned around), but I never saw where Julie's Landing was. There were still runner going forward, so I followed. All the way wondering where is my turn-around point. But my phone is in my shell pocket, now in my backpack (under a rain cover), so I didn't check sooner. I ran over Fremont Bridge, and down to the north side of Lake Union. There, I think I definitely ran too far. Got out my phone to check where Julie's Landing is. By then, I probably already did 5K one way. I really didn't expect so many runners out on a drizzling day. Yes, all along, both directions, I saw runners.

I returned to REI at 11:20pm. The guy from Brooks was packing up. I asked him for my shoes, and he said he gave them to REI. So someone knows one person is missing. Do they think I stole the shoes? We both went into the stores and inquire about my shoes. No one knew about it. We went to the classroom where the movie was screening, and dragged an employee out. He went to some employee-only area, and I waited. The Brooks guy returned to his shoes. He and Julia showed up with my shoes. Julia didn't seem to care, didn't say anything at all. The guy commented that I did a good run. Now that I put on my own shoes, I could feel that Brooks shoes had a lot more support. Returned the shoes to the Brooks guy. He was so apologetic. It was 11:30 now, and the store feels too hot, especially the screening classroom (full of people). No more food.

Some take-aways:

• I need to track my location always, cannot depend on the organizers. They may not care, and it's difficult for them to tell which runners are in their group, which ones are not, without giving us labels.
• I may need to run more to get in shape. I will try my new On shoes: bought over a year ago but never used. Now that I know their 5k route, I may join again, or I can just run in the gym of my building (which I never went in).
• Hikers/runners eat a lot. If you are late, there'll be no food left.

2025.10.31. Halloween

10/31, Friday. The rain started mid day and just non-stop.

Amazon put out some "dark" balloons. I especially like the eye ball.

I got a free tour of the new Equinox gym in Rainier Tower today. It's gleaming. Quite a few people at lunch time Friday. Tons of machines, freshly changed yoga mats in the yoga room. It boasts sauna, cold plunge, robotic massage. I got a 15 minute AI massage by these 2 robot arms. Certainly more gentle and cushioned than my sister's massage chair. But only 2 pressure points: a bit disappointing. They are recruiting members. The membership fee is $230/month, and with a year subscription. After googling for reviews, I decided this is not for me: you need to install an app just to sign up for a group class, and only 1 day ahead. I don't want any more apps. You get 1 free massage per month. Seems sauna, cold plunge cost extra too.

On the way out, saw this skeleton hovering over the piano.

The holiday spirit of this event by the Friends of Waterfront is a very dampened. A few spectators (standing in the rain), 3 people dancing over a boombox under a canopy. This guy, kudo to him, span into the rain for a couple of moves, won much applause.

On the way, I noticed these murals, that are quite impressive.

Saw a couple of people in costumes. Most are like me, wearing regular outfit. Senaca Plaza was supposed to show Beetlejuice double feature this evening, but there was no one there, understandably. A very wet conclusion of October.

2022.20.19. Wildfires continue, dry and warm weather keeps smoke in PNW

The air quality is abysmal for a month, or rather getting progressively worse. Today, it reached a dangerous level: 249. All my outdoor activities are put on hold. Not seeing golden larch this year :( Rain is in the forecast coming Friday (10/21), so hope for some relief.

2022.9.30. A day lost in smoke

I took both Friday and Monday off. This is a trip long in the making. Wed & Thurs short light rain fell in the city. Our hope was up. All 4 days are sunny and warm, little wind. Seems ideal. However ...

9/30, Friday. Long drive to Little Giant TH via I-90 and hwy-97 (Google map showed hwy-2 as closed), and back through smoke via hwy-2. Leavenworth was terrible. Wasted a whole day and a tank of gas. At Coles Corner, we inquired the employees at the diner. That's how we were sure that hwy-2 was open.

2020.12.5 Amabilis Mountain loop

12/5 Saturday. Sunny and warm. I dropped off from an overnight meetup for a solo trek, because my right foot still hurts. I wanted to be able to bailout any time. Amabilis may be my most stupid choice of a hike/snowshoe. From the most recent trip report on WTA (of 3 days ago), the road wasn't plowed, and there was very few people. But today, the entire loop was groomed, and it was busy. A 10 mile walk on a crowded ROAD is a bad choice. However, it's ideal for ski newbies: flat, wide, groomed. I was able to walk past a lady on x-country skis on the way down!

Couldn't get up when my alarm clock sounded. By the time I picked up the rental car, it was almost 10am. Got to Cabin Creek Snowpark at 11. The lot was almost full. I was surprised to see so many people, based on the last report. I guess the plower and weekend brought more people. 4 Honey Buckets at the big parking lot. Since I was wearing normal walking shoes (softer), I put on gaiters (they don't fit well). Snow on the road was packed down. So I put on microspikes, and strapped snowshoes over my pack.

Walk across the highway first before you gear up! Based on the map I downloaded, I cut a couple of corners of the zigzag. The lower two were a bit bushy, so slow-going. The slope was only half covered by crusty snow. The last one before the junction is better. I didn't even see the junction (~3400') when going up. I cut off one more corner afterwards, there, I put on snowshoes. Not sure if I saved much time, but certainly avoided everyone, and it was more fun. The last mile, I followed the road. This viewpoint is only 15 min from the top. The last ~100' is snowshoe only. Excellent view of Lake Kachess. Can see Rainier, but the south side is too much treed. Today was very windy. Saw a couple arrived and took off right away. Put on my softshell jacket. Took a few photos from different points, and headed down without eating my sandwich.

I snowshoed down the east side on ~0.3 mile unplowed stretch. Once I reached the groomed road, saw only one skier until the junction. Don't know why everyone stayed on the west side - no view at all. There's one stretch of open road with good southern view on the east section just above the junction. I decided to take it easy and stay on the road, while chewing my sandwich. So, packed away snowshoes. Took off the gaiter as well. Walked back down in my Ecco shoes without problem. The only slippery place is the parking lot. It was 3:15pm. No time for my 2nd snowshoe option.

Heard from Y that Snoqualmie Falls was lit at night. After filling gas in North Bend by exit 34, I drove to the falls, figured that I'd arrive at sun down. The town of Snoqualmie was full of holiday lights along Railroad ave. But no light on the waterfall. Maybe I arrived too early (~4:30pm). On the way, saw this herd of elks ‐ a nice finish of a sunny wintery day. I walked to the elk side of the road, fairly close to a couple of them. They didn't stir much. Is the rut season over?

Bought some grocery, and picked up some library material before returning the car. Forgot my hiking pole in the trunk, had to walk there Sunday morning to pick it up. It stayed where I left it.

2020.2.12. Turn of the Screw with Book-it

2/12, Wednesday, 7:30pm. Book-it Theater presents The Turn of the Screw of Henry James. I don't understand the story, nor why it's ever staged, let alone many times, in various forms. What's the point? What was James wanted to say? A governess was sent to a countryside estate to care for two children, one of them was expelled from his boarding school. She encountered 2 ghosts: the previous governess and another employee of the mansion (yes, both dead). The play ends with the girl took ill and was sent back to London, and the boy died in the Miss' arms.

This production is played entirely by a female cast (of 5). Good acting. Stage set is just a couple of pieces of furniture and a big doll house. It would be nice to add some projection, shouldn't be too hard?

2020.1.7. The Rivals at Center House

1/7, Tuesday. Seattle Shakespeare Company staged The Rivals by Richard Sheridan at Center House Theater. The 18th century story is as silly as Marriage of Figaro. Two pairs of lovers. Both wealthy. The lovers fretted over stupid jealousy and pretense. I don't see the point of playing something like this in the modern era. The acting is pretty good, especially the two elders: Mrs. Malaprop and Sir Anthony Absolute. I also like the acting of Faulkland (the forever doubting), Bob Acres (the cowardly buffoon), Lucy (the conniving maid). However, I don't like the actress of Lydia: she slouches too much and unnatural. No real stage, just a background image of Baths with some furniture pieces being moved in and out. It's good enough. I like the directing of the play, quite a few quirky and funny bits, including here, when Mrs. Malaprop and Jack sitting on the small stool. The costume and make-up is quite fun.

2018.6.18. Lookout Mountain - Gumjuwac Creek loop

6/17, Sunday. 10 of us (in 2 cars) did this long loop of about 16 miles, 3600' gain - most of which is at the end, which is taxing. I don't recommend this loop. The High Prairie trailhead, however, is lovely. At almost 6000', a bit chilly. The meadows next to the trailhead was filled with shooting stars. This is the best shooting star display I've ever seen. You can also see a bit of Mt. St Helens here. So I recommend coming up via Hwy-35 (to have your workout, and an easier and shorter driving - see my last trip to Lookout Mt), make the detour of 2.9 miles for the loop to High Prairie.

The first ~1 mile of this hike is gentle going up, to this pointed rock, and then leveled along a rocky cliff with excellent views, until Lookout Mt summit (~6525'), where you can see Hood, St. Helens, Rainier, and Adams. Jefferson is a bit faint. All is glorious.

From Lookout Mt, we took the Lookout Mt Trail east, slowly loosing elevation to Oval Lake (not worth the 1/4 mile detour to the lake -- going down, and it's shallow and ugly). The trail is more or less along a ridge. View is not bad for the first mile before going into the woods. Still had snow left. 20 minutes past Oval Lake, we slowly regain the ridge, and view. Saw big patches of Jacob's Ladder (and some white ones), Wild Candytuft (Noccaea fendleri), Paleyellow Ragwort. Then we hit a road. Walk in-and-out on the rocky road to the Flag Point Lookout tower (the tower is in the middle right, furthest in the photo). It was closed. But the compost bathroom was open: clean and spacious. Had lunch next to the tower. I sat under the tower, great view, but windy. The rest of the group sat in the trees without wind or view. Some Oregon anemone here.

After the lookout tower, we headed down to Badger Creek, and back up along Gumjuwac Creek. This part is unpleasant: mud patches, very overgrown (Badger Creek wilderness). Met no human. Found 3 large king boletes in the same spot, all in good shape: strange. Woodland flowers. Large ponderosa pines. Saw rusted vine maple leaves and tainted lupine leaves. Orange honeysuckle! We reached out lowest elevation at ~3000' after about 8 miles, when we turned on Badger Creek trail, which is mostly flat. Then, we turned right onto Gumjuwac Creek trail, gaining the elevation back.

As we approach Gumjuwac Saddle (~5200'), started to emerge in and out of forest. View got better, and it's dryer. Saw mariposa lily, gilia, blooming balsamroot. Back to the junction of High Prairie trail, and hike down back to car. We are back at the trailhead at 6pm. Then, I got a ride home.

2018.4.1. The Thanksgiving Play

4/1. Sunday. Rain. The Thanksgiving Play by By Larissa FastHorse at the Artist Rep. I didn't like this satire, even though well acted, and some fun dialogues. Overall, I found this play silly.

2017.10.8. Fun Home at Portland Center Stage

10/8, Sunday night. The reviews are super positive, so I decided to watch Fun Home. Arrived at the theatre ~7:35pm. They let me buy the ticket and get into the theatre, but I couldn't sit down until the first song was over -- this is okay, my fault entirely. However, I was disappointed in a few ways. 1) The voices are not good (especially the kids) -- seems common in musicals. 2) The articulation of the kids, especially when they sing, is often incomprehensible. They are adorable, and do a pretty good job acting, but not singing. 3) the story about the dad is ill conceived: why he fights with the wife all the time, and why he kills himself after the daughter's newly awakened homosexuality. With a lesbian daughter and understanding wife, he ought to be happier to pursue what he had been doing all these years, or even make a change. 4) Why funeral home? Just to make it funny? I actually like the funeral home part. But for a short play, it might be a good idea to devote all energy to the main theme (homosexuality). Right, the play is not well written.

I like the idea of simultaneously using 3 women to play the daughter. The retrospective sense is well conveyed.

2016.10.22. Columbia Slough and Smith Bybee Wetland

10/22, Saturday, partly sunny. After a class on Amazon Alexa, I went to check out the Smith and Bybee Wetland (not much water, muddy with dead looking grass) and Columbia Slough (quite a few tents and lots of trash). Not a pleasant walk. Not easily accessible using public transportation.

I started from MAX Vanport station heading to "Vanport". No buses on weekend that goes near the area. A nice looking golf course, but its boundaries are all fenced off, including North Cottonwood Rd that is marked both accessible, and where Historic Vanport is, on Google Map. I didn't see any trace of the original Vanport, which either no longer exists or is on the golf course property. When walking on Columbia Slough, you have a good view of the golf course and Mt. St. Helens beyond. A few bridges, a water treatment area. That's to the north. To the south of the trail (more like a dike), you walk along the slough, you see quite a few tents and litter. Noise from a car race track.

North Portland Rd and North Marine Drive (by Columbia River) are bordering the wetland to the east and north. Both with fast traffic and trash (I saw one pile of dead supermarket turkey -- all plucked). I'm walking on the official trail. There's a train terminal of some sort, lots of trains here. Smith and Bybee Lakes are swamp. I did see a few family walking here. Short paved trail, or mud to walk on. Didn't see many birds as I hoped. . Two entrances. The main one is to the north. It has two sheltered lookouts. Overall not worth coming, unless maybe in spring with more water and maybe a boat, or if you live in the neighborhood. A long walk from the train station (~1 hour).

I much prefer Alviso Slough and Coyote Slough in the south SF Bay, which I just visited last week. What a difference.